🏠 24th Hour Youth Safety Lodge Approved to Stay Open
The 24th Hour Youth Safety Lodge on 12th Street will continue operating after Brandon City Council voted to renew its approval for another two years.
The decision came after nearby residents raised concerns about crime and theft in the area during Tuesday’s council meeting. However, Brandon Friendship Centre coordinator Richard Greer told council there is no evidence connecting youth staying at the facility to criminal activity and said he would be aware if those concerns were valid.
Council ultimately voted to allow the facility to continue serving vulnerable youth.
🅿️ Brandon Moves Toward Cashless Parking
Brandon is preparing to modernize its parking system with the introduction of digital payment options at existing metered parking locations.
The transition is expected to begin in late 2026, with app-payment signage appearing downtown and in the hospital district. The move is aimed at providing motorists with a more convenient way to pay for parking.
💡 Rideau Park Water Tower Could Become New Landmark
One of Brandon’s most recognizable structures could soon receive a major facelift.
City Council has directed administration to explore refurbishment and decorative lighting options for the Rideau Park water tower, with the goal of transforming it into a more prominent city landmark.
A proposal to allocate $250,000 has been referred to the 2027 budget process.
🚧 North Hill Roundabout Project Moves Closer
Construction of Brandon’s long-awaited North Hill roundabout is a step closer to reality.
City officials are targeting a spring groundbreaking, with most of the work expected to be completed by next winter. The project has drawn significant attention from residents and local officials who argue safety upgrades in the area are overdue.
🛣️ Carberry Overpass and Roundabouts Planned
Major safety improvements are on the way at the intersection of Highway 5 and the Trans-Canada Highway near Carberry.
Mayor Ray Muirhead says it’s unfortunate a tragic 2023 bus crash that claimed 17 lives was needed to spur major changes. Plans now call for the construction of an overpass and roundabouts designed to improve traffic flow and reduce collision risks.
Construction is expected to begin in 2027 and take about two-and-a-half years to complete.
🛒 Balcaen Pushes Tougher Response to Retail Theft
Brandon West MLA Wayne Balcaen says the Progressive Conservatives’ pledge to hire 25 additional Crown attorneys will help address repeat retail theft offenders.
Balcaen argues stronger prosecution and stiffer penalties are needed for chronic offenders. His comments come as the Brandon Chamber of Commerce reports a 40 per cent increase in repeat retail theft incidents.
🎤 Premier Kinew Visiting Brandon Thursday
Premier Wab Kinew will make two appearances in Brandon on Thursday.
The premier is scheduled to take part in a public forum at Brandon University at 3 p.m., hosted by a student political group. He will then attend the Westman NDP Gala at the Keystone Centre as part of the party’s regional fundraising efforts.
🏢 Manitoba Tightens Rent Control Rules
The Manitoba government is implementing new measures aimed at strengthening tenant protections.
The changes reduce allowable above-guideline rent increases tied to capital projects by 40 per cent. Tenants also will no longer be required to pay a proposed increase before the Residential Tenancy Branch has issued a ruling on the application.
🎄 Christmas Cheer Braces for Record Demand
Brandon Westman Christmas Cheer is preparing for what could be its busiest holiday season ever.
Organizers expect more than 1,800 hamper referrals this year and are urging the community to support the effort through donations, volunteer time and participation in the Adopt-a-Family program.
🍽️ Food Bank Use Continues to Rise Across Canada
A new report suggests food insecurity remains a growing challenge across the country.
Food Banks Canada says visits increased nearly nine per cent over the past year. More than 775,000 of those visits involved children, while many food banks report difficulty keeping up with rising demand.
🚜 AgWest Seeks Financial Lifeline
One of the Prairies’ largest farm equipment dealership networks is restructuring under creditor protection.
AgWest says weaker equipment sales and broader economic pressures have created significant financial challenges. The company remains open while a court-supervised process seeks either a buyer or refinancing partner.
AgWest operates eight dealerships across Manitoba and Saskatchewan, including a full-service location serving the Brandon area.
🍁 Alberta Government Turns Away From Separation Debate
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says her government will not pursue separation following Monday’s provincial referendum.
Instead, Smith says Alberta will continue addressing disputes with Ottawa through political negotiations and the courts.
🇨🇦 Wainwright Vigil to Honour Fallen Soldiers
A community vigil will be held in Wainwright tonight to remember the four soldiers who lost their lives in Saturday’s deadly fire at CFB Wainwright.
Local church leaders say the event is intended to support grieving military families and demonstrate solidarity with members of the Canadian Armed Forces affected by the tragedy.
